In a significant judicial ruling that underscores the principle that no one is above the law, a federal judge has refused to dismiss the serious criminal charges against Democratic Representative LaMonica McIver. This decision ensures that the first-term congresswoman will face accountability for her alleged actions during a disturbing incident at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. The case, which has been closely watched, represents a stark example of the lawlessness that has too often been tolerated among the political elite, and the ruling is a victory for the rule of law.
The charges against Rep. McIver are not minor; a federal grand jury returned a 3-count indictment that could see her facing a maximum of 17 years in prison. The core of the allegations stems from her behavior during a visit to the detention facility, where she is accused of forcibly impeding and interfering with federal law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties. This is not a mere political disagreement or a heated exchange, but an active and aggressive physical confrontation with the very individuals tasked with upholding our nation’s laws.
The evidence against the Democrat representative is damning and was captured on ICE bodycam footage. The video reveals a shocking display of entitlement and aggression, showing McIver verbally abusing federal agents and threatening to destroy their careers. In a particularly vile outburst that demonstrates a profound lack of character and self-control, she shouted, “I touch whoever I want motherf*cker!” This kind of thuggish behavior is unbecoming of any citizen, let alone a sitting member of the United States Congress, and it vividly illustrates the contempt in which some elected officials hold the brave men and women of federal law enforcement.
In a move that showcased her blatant disregard for the judicial process, McIver attempted to have the charges tossed out. Her defense relied on the audacious claim that she was shielded by the Constitution’s “speech or debate” clause, a provision designed to protect legislative activity, not to provide immunity for allegedly assaulting federal officers during a facility visit. She further argued that the prosecution, led by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba—a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump—was somehow unfair, a baseless accusation typical of the left’s playbook when they are held to account.
Fortunately, U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper, himself a Biden appointee, saw through this flimsy legal defense and delivered a powerful rebuke. Judge Semper firmly rejected McIver’s claims of immunity, stating, “Defendant’s active participation in the alleged conduct removes her acts from the safe harbor of mere oversight,” and added, “Lawfully or unlawfully, Defendant actively engaged in conduct unrelated to her oversight responsibilities and congressional duties.” This ruling, from a judge appointed by the opposing administration, confirms that this was not about political oversight but about individual criminal conduct.
🚨BREAKING: I have obtained exclusive ICE officer body cam footage clearly showing Democrat Rep. LaMonica McIver verbally and physically assaulting federal agents in New Jersey after illegally entering an ICE detention facility.
In the video you can see indisputable evidence of… pic.twitter.com/msAQBz23oJ
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 10, 2025
This entire episode stands as a testament to the importance of strong, principled leadership in the Department of Justice, a hallmark of the America First agenda under President Donald J. Trump. While the liberal media often rushes to protect its own and would likely have ignored this story had the party affiliations been reversed, the system worked because dedicated professionals like U.S. Attorney Habba are committed to applying the law equally. The refusal to dismiss these charges sends a clear message that assaults on federal agents will be prosecuted to the fullest extent, regardless of the perpetrator’s political power or position.